1960 Chilean Tsunami

An earthquake occurred in South Central Chile on May 22, 1960 . A large tsunami was triggered by the earthquake. The Tsunamis magnitude was 8.6. The number of fatalities associated with the tsunami was 2,290. The tsunami brought about 1/2 billion dollars in damage.

The inhabitants which feared the initial earthquake went out to sea on boats in an attempt to escape the shaking. The trough of the tsunami soon arrived only 10 minutes after the earthquake. All boats were lost and all there passengers were killed.


National Geophysical Data Center

The above photograph shows the devestating aftermath of the Chilean tsunami in the Waiakea area of Hilo, Hawaii. Parking meters were bent by the force of the powerful tsunami. Only buildings of reinforced concrete or structural steel remained standing.